EUDR, UNIC prepares platform to manage due diligence

In view of the entry into force of the EU Regulation against deforestation, scheduled for 2026 also for the bovine leather sector, the UNIC Group – Italian Tanneries is developing a digital platform dedicated to the management of due diligence.

“The aim of the initiative,” explain the Italian tanners’ association, “is to provide a complete IT solution to fulfil the obligations under the EUDR specifically applied to the hides and skins supply chain”.

Realised in collaboration with a specialised IT company, the solution will allow companies to:

– geographically trace the plants involved in production;

– manage and evaluate required documentation;

– generate automated reports and digital certifications;

– integrate satellite data for risk analysis (on deforestation/degradation around geolocalised points);

– connect via API (application programming interface) to the official European information system for the automatic sending and receipt of due diligence.

The project stems from the synergy with the timber industry and the consolidated experience in the management of these digital streams. Among the planned functions, in addition to those already mentioned, is “risk assessment by integrating medium-resolution satellite data, processed through validated methodologies, to verify the state of deforestation/forest degradation around geolocalised points”.

Although cattle hide is not a driver of deforestation – as also demonstrated by the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa – UNIC is therefore preparing to provide companies with a concrete and efficient tool to address new regulatory obligations.